1988 Austin Montego vs. 1997 Toyota MR2
To start off, 1997 Toyota MR2 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Austin Montego. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Austin Montego would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Toyota MR2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Toyota MR2 (173 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1988 Austin Montego. (81 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1988 Austin Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 135 kg more than 1988 Austin Montego. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Toyota MR2 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1997 Toyota MR2. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Austin Montego, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1997 Toyota MR2 (186 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Austin Montego. (158 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Austin Montego.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Austin Montego | 1997 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Austin | Toyota |
| Model | Montego | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 158 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 70 L |
